26th May 2013

Punching above your weight

We have a saying that we use to describe situations where people achieve or receive something that is far greater than their ability or resources to make it happen and that saying is ‘Punching above your weight’. It comes from the sport of boxing and describes boxers who have ability to punch harder than is normally expected of someone in their weight range.

I’ve heard people say that a man of average looks and personality ‘punched above his weight’ when he was able to attract a beautiful wife with a charming personality. This probably describes me! Likewise a sporting team with no recognised stars that continues to beat teams who are better than them can also be described as ‘punching above their weight’.

The reality is that in life there are limitations that we find hard to break through. In the sporting arena where winning is everything it is not surprising that people are tempted to push these limits by using performance enhancing drugs. In a sense they are trying to ‘punch above their weight’ through the use of illegal drugs. They are looking for an unfair advantage.

When it comes to life and being the people we want to be and feel called to be by God, it can often feel like we are pushing up against certain limiting factors that hold us back. We may feel limited by our own gifts and abilities. We may feel that we are being held back by our circumstances or by the hurts we have experienced in our lives. We may feel stuck by our inability to change those thoughts, attitudes and behaviours that pull us down instead of lifting us up. Is there any way we can in a sense ‘punch above our weight’ when it comes to living the life God calls us to?

The answer is an emphatic “Yes!” We can’t do it in our own strength but God gives us his power to work in us and through us to be the people he calls us to be and this power is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that we are being transformed to be more and more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit works in us to chip off the rough edges and sand down the rough bits so that we reflect more and more of Jesus in our lives. This work of the Holy Spirit in us is not always easy or pleasant, but the results are life changing.

How do we receive the power of the Holy Spirit? We ask God for it. God’s first movement towards us is always one of love and of blessing. God wants to give us the Holy Spirit to bring blessing in our lives. We just need to ask. Why not take the time today to ask God to fill you afresh with his Holy Spirit so that you can be filled with a power to ‘punch above your weight’ and grow into the person God declares you to be in Jesus?

Pastor Noel Kluge

Prayer Requests: Not included in this newsletter, but if you would like to view the current requests, refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter. If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request

This week’s message is “Having Maximum Impact” “Jesus says, ‘You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:13, 14, 16)

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Thanks - We would like to thank you for your on-going prayers for Helen. Also thank you for your love and prayers on the loss of my brother, Bob.

Jo Voigt

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, School and Homes

AGM 12.30pm 26^th May, 2013

Sausage Sizzle Day after both morning services.  There will also be Steak Sandwiches available after 2nd service. Sausages are $2 and Steak Sandwiches are $4 each.  Also be available on this day, Sue's Card Stall, Kathy's Scarf Stall and the handmade Ringpull bags and jewellery from Cebu.

Our Cebu Fundraising Project this year is to help purchase Bethlehem Day Care Centre in Cebu, which is currently operating as a child care centre and school up to level 2.

Thank you for your support.

Joan McCarthy Team Leader

  

Getting more out of the Bible

A workshop for anyone who wants to get more out of the Bible

Facilitator: Pr Rolly Stahl

Place: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista

Aim: Help people develop skills to unpack the Word and apply it to their lives. After explaining a framework (observation, interpretation, application), we will practice by working through Jonah. Please bring your Bible and a biro.

When:  Four Wednesday evenings: June 5, 12, 19, 26 -  7:30pm – 9pm

Register:

·         By writing your name/s and “Wed Bible workshop” on a Sunday Welcome Card and place in offering bowl.

OR:

·         contact the Para Vista Church Office: 8263 5087  or email:  churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

MEMBERSHIP AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Why become a member of this or any church family?

Well membership says many things. A few are:

• I belong here (Hebrews 10:23-25)
• We share the same ministry goals (Ephesians 4:16)
• I accept responsibility for fellow believers in the family of God. (Galatians 1-6, 10)
• I am accountable to others for my walk with God. (Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 18:15-20)
• I accept responsibility for how things are done. (1 Corinthians 12:20-27)
• I respect the policies. (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 2:13-17)

Discovery is the vehicle by which membership is attained – it is the “Road to Relationship and Growth”.

If you have been attending Good Shepherd for some time and have not attended Discovery, or are new at Para Vista – Discovery is for you!

Those who previously attended Discovery commented on their experience

“Discovery was twofold for me. Firstly it gave me an introduction and an understanding of Good Shepherd. Secondly it gave my wife and I the opportunity to meet others also coming into the church – like an ice-breaker situation,
very positive”.

“I enjoyed ‘A Journey of Discovery’ because it gave me an opportunity to meet and fellowship with others who were also seeking a new place in God’s family. It provided insight into basic Lutheran teaching which in turn strengthened the building blocks of my faith in God and affirmed His love for me.  The course also provided an overview of Para Vista’s purpose and strategy and helped me identify with the church family of which I am now a member.  I completed the course with a greater sense of acceptance and belonging, and a rekindled desire to seek a deeper worship experience with God”.

·         Want to know more about how you can find Christian friendships?

·         Growing in a relationship with the God who loves you?

·         How this church family can serve you?

·         How you can make a difference to others?

·         The core beliefs and purpose of Good Shepherd?

·         How a large church can provide intimacy?

Discovery runs over two Tuesday evenings

25^th June 2013 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Come and meet the staff over a complimentary dinner with tea, coffee and dessert

2nd July 2013 6:50pm – 9:00pm

Complimentary coffee & tea

Enrolment is simple

Ring the church office (8263 5087);

Email, churchenquiries@paravista.org.au;

Write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card in a worship service

Women’s Fellowship

PVLWF has their next meeting on 4^th June at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hope Valley at 1pm.

Our Guest speaker is Megan De Vries who will lead us through a tour of the Aged Care Facility Unit of The Vines, McLaren Apartments, Barossa, Coonawarra and Zinnbauer Hall.

All are very welcome. There will be a devotion, Bible study, short business meeting and afternoon tea after the tour. No trading table.

Notice Board

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

May 1993 saw the launch of one of Australia’s favourite and most iconic fundraising events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. A small and simple concept – getting together over a cuppa – has since grown to something much bigger with over a million Australians getting together in living rooms, community centres, schools and workplaces to put the kettle on for a cause each year.

YOU ARE INVITED

The school and church community have joined together to invite you to

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Good Shepherd Church Hall

Friday 31^st May, 9:15 am (after chapel)

Come along and make your cup count in the fight against cancer!!

(Men, toddlers and babies welcome!)

You are welcome to attend chapel at 8.45am then stay for the morning tea,

or just join us for the morning tea from 9.15am.

Guest Speaker – Thelma Eckert

Make a donation in exchange for coffee/tea and nibbles, and help raise funds for the Cancer Council SA. In 20 years Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has raised over $110million with breakthrough advancements in treatment, successful screening programs and major improvements in survival rates for many cancers - just some of the reasons to celebrate.

For any enquiries please contact Lenna Uebergang or Tina Pfeiffer on 8263 8545

'Preparing for Marriage' Courses

Saturday 15^th [9am-5pm] and Sunday 16^th June 2013 [1pm-5pm]

Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista

Cost: $160/couple if both employed; $85 if one employed; $65 if neither employed/students.

For registrations or more information: Tel: 8331 3111; Email: magill@lccare.org.au

Community Food SA

Volunteers Needed to help with a Customer Survey. The Community Food Store located at Shop 5, 580 Main North Road, Gepps Cross will be conducting a survey of their customers over the two weeks beginning Tuesday May 28 & Tuesday June 4. If you have a few hours to spare and can assist, talk to Maurice Clark phone 8269 3396.

 

It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

 

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

19th May 2013

Remember that amazing feeling

when an unexpected kindness sent you reeling?

Love showed in action reaches deeper

than simply words - which come much cheaper.

The effect of action - with or without words - lasts longer.

The sense of being loved is felt much stronger.

True love does not depend on good deeds before it's given

it's not limited to time or space, but is needs-driven.

Is this love possible, or just "pie in the sky"?

The answer is in the One that in the manger lies.

For this is true love in action so great and what the world at Christmas celebrates.

The presents, the food, family and fun

can never outshine what God has done.

It's yours for the taking, if you'll just say "God, I need your love today".

So celebrate and share love all year through, this is our Christmas wish for you.

“I was hungry, and you gave me food.

I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink.

I was alone and away from home,

and you invited me into your house.

I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear.

I was sick, and you cared for me.

I was in prison, and you visited me.”

(Matthew 25:35-36, New Century Version)

“Our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.”

(1 John 3:18, Good News Translation)

Poem from (c) 2011 Kylie Woithe. Used with permission”

Prayer Requests: Not included in this newsletter, but if you would like to view the current requests, refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter. If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request

This week is Pentecost Sunday. This week’s message is “Sending out God’s S.O.S. to the World” “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. (John 3:16-18 NIV2011)

Bible Reading: John 16:5-11, Acts 2:1-5; 14a; 22-24 and 32-41

   

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids: This term we are continuing to work our way through the bible and will be studying the following this Sunday:

Baby Zone –       People at church help me

Kindy Zone –     Leaving Eden (Genesis 3:8-24)

Kids Zone –        Sin spoils creation (Genesis 3:1-4:15)

Kool Zone –        God makes his choice (Genesis 12)

Parents/carers, please remember to sign your child in and out of Kingdom Kids each week. This way we can ensure everyone is safe and accounted for. 

Kindy Zone helpers:  We are in need of 2 or 3 more helpers in Kindy Zone (for ages 3-5 + reception) urgently! No preparation is required and you would only be rostered on once or twice a term. Please contact Laura ASAP if you are interested. It would be great to have some Dads.

Baby Zone: the countdown is on…only 2 weeks to go! Matt Huckel (who is currently studying at Sem to be a Pastor) will be running a 5 week worship opportunity for Baby Zone kids and their families during the month of June. This will be an incredible time of teaching, music, movement and worship as Matt shows us ways we can worship together in our homes. If you have a child(ren) in Baby Zone, please book aside this time to come along and worship with us. We ask that at least one parent attends with their child so that the whole family can benefit from the experience.

Thank you for the very generous donation that was anonymously received last week. Baby Zone will now be able to purchase all the items needed for the program. God has blessed us through your kindness. Thank you!

Playgroup: Last week we had fun celebrating Mums. The kids got creative making gifts for their special ladies and enjoyed playing together.  We finished the morning with a story and songs about families and the important role mums play in our lives. Our theme for this week is ‘On the farm’ and we are looking forward to a visit from some little fluffy friends (chicks). 9:30am -11:30am in the Church Hall. $2 per child per each week or $3 for a family. We hope to see you there.

Step Up 2013

In communion we celebrate, remember and…

It has been an absolute joy and privilege to watch the families involved in Step Up 2013 laugh, chat, pray and read God’s word together as they work their way through the Step Up Program. Our third night session will be held in the Good Shepherd Primary School from 7:30pm-8:45pm this Friday. So far we have discussed what we celebrate and remember in communion. We look forward to what Mary Jo has in store for us next. Please pray for the families involved.

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader

  

Bake Stall: Sunday 19^th May with all proceeds to Maranatha Health. If you like baking please think about donating baked or homemade goodies (think biscuits, cakes, relish, jam, marmalade) for the stall. Just label your ingredients on the packaging. Donations, clearly labelled, can be brought to the Church.

If you like eating baked and homemade goods please support the Maranatha Health cause. Let us show everyone at MH Uganda our support during this difficult time. 

Cebu Fundraiser: Sausage Sizzle Day on Sunday 26th May after both morning services.  There will also be Steak Sandwiches available after 2nd service. Sausages are $2 and Steak Sandwiches are $4 each. Have some lunch and stay for the church AGM at 12.30pm. Our Project for this year is to help purchase Bethlehem Day Care Centre in Cebu, which is currently operating as a child care centre and school up to level 2. Thank you for your support.

Joan McCarthy
Team Leader

From the Office

Church, School, Village AGM’s

Bargain: Three for the price of one. On Sunday 26^th May the AGMs of the church, school and village will be held from 12:30pm in the church. So you don’t go hungry, lunch will be provided after the 10:30am service.

What’s on the agenda?

Booklets containing the agenda and information about each meeting are available in hard copy in the Information section in the foyer. Next week the information re the church AGM will be emailed to members.

The Connect Project

On Tuesday 21^st May at 7:30pm in the church there is an information/sharing session about the Connect Project.

This is an opportunity for you to be further informed about the project and to hear the views of others and have input into the plan.

Giving through REG

REG is not the nick name of a member. It stands for Regular Electronic Giving. In other words your  offerings can be transferred  electronically on a regular basis from the account of your choice into our Church account. 55% of our weekly offerings are given via REG.

What are the advantages to you in giving through REG?

• Convenient - as it simply happens
• Regular - even if you are absent for a period of time
• Flexible - amounts can be easily adjustable
• Safe - no need to carry cash
• Confidential - the congregation receives a bulk amount of money without names

What are the advantages for your congregation?

• Budgeting becomes easier as we can more accurately predict income for the year
• Income flow becomes regular which helps with account payments
• Saves time in processing money on Sundays
• It’s safer as there is less cash to handle

Volunteers make it happen

Feel part of the community.  Become a volunteer

You may have noticed the church gardens have been covered in bark chip mulch. During the school holidays some of the trees in the church and school yard were trimmed and or taken down due to safety issues. This resulted in 2 truckloads of bark chips being dropped in the car park at the front of the church. A number of volunteers were encouraged to attend on ANZAC day and spent their time spreading the bark chips across the church gardens.  Thank you to members of the maintenance team who gave of their time on the public holiday so our guests and members can enjoy the church surrounds. Thank you to Matt and Jayden Eckermann, Ashley, Abbigail, Georgina and Phoebe Schmidt, Matt Modra and Dave and Brodie Bartel.

The maintenance team have also had a hand in the plumbing department replacing the dripping and unserviceable taps in both the ladies and gents toilets. Now you can safely wash your hands at the push of a button. I wish to thank Matt and Jayden Eckermann and Jason Hermann for the fun and excitementthey had replacing the old with the new and also learning more about themselves.

Volunteers make it happen

A view of Adelaide to be experienced

Time is running out

Have you registered your interest in becoming part of this elite group Your assistance in the cleaning of the gutters at Para Vista. The task would only involve an hour of spare time whilst being able to gain a view of the surrounding area not normally seen by others. Please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or put on your Sunday welcome card your intention to be part of the “View Adelaide with a difference” team.

Did you know over 400 items were borrowed from our library last year?

While equipping in Cebu in recent days, Pr Peter Steicke was amazed to find participants turning up with the same SOAP journals we have here at Good Shepherd: “I have no idea how they got these journals, but they treasure them, and our new field directors (Friederich & Nancy Lueckhof) are very impressed with them.”

From the Administration Manager

Stephen Zanker

Notice Board

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are looking for two volunteers to help at our Blair Athol office.

Emergency Relief Worker - one day a week from 9.00am-1.00pm interviewing clients and assessing what type of assistance they need. Computer skills are essential and Emergency Relief training will be provided.

Emergency Relief Pantry Worker - help one day a week unpacking donations and restocking cupboards.

For more information contact: Audene 08 8269 9300

'Prepare Training' for Facilitators

 Training qualifies educators to deliver the Preparing for Marriage program for couples, which assists in focussing on critical relationship issues, identifying areas of strength and potential growth, and choosing a positive direction for the future. Educators must have relevant training in teaching, social work, family therapy or pastoral care.

Prepare Core Training, Friday 14^th June [9.30am-4pm]

Going Deeper Training, Friday 12^th July [9.30am-3pm]

Venue: Magill, Cost: $250.00

[NB: Fee covers both training days, but you can attend the second session later in the year if preferred]

For registrations or more information: Tel: 8331 3111; Email: magill@lccare.org.au

'Preparing for Marriage' Courses

Saturday 15^th [9am-5pm] and Sunday 16^th June 2013 [1pm-5pm]

Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista

Cost: $160/couple if both employed; $85 if one employed; $65 if neither employed/students.

For registrations or more information: Tel: 8331 3111; Email: magill@lccare.org.au

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

  May 1993 saw the launch of one of Australia’s favourite and most iconic fundraising events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. A small and simple concept – getting together over a cuppa – has since grown to something much bigger with over a million Australians getting together in living rooms, community centres, schools
and workplaces to put the kettle on for a cause each year.

YOU ARE INVITED

The school and church community have joined together to invite you to

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Good Shepherd Church Hall

Friday 31^st May, 9:15 am (after chapel)

Come along and make your cup count in the fight against cancer!!

(Men, toddlers and babies welcome!)

You are welcome to attend chapel in the morning at 8.45am then stay for the morning tea, or just join us for the morning tea from 9.15am.

Guest Speaker – Thelma Eckert

Make a donation in exchange for coffee/tea and nibbles, and help raise funds for the Cancer Council SA. In 20 years Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has raised over $110million with breakthrough advancements in treatment, successful screening programs and major improvements in survival rates for many cancers just some of the reasons to celebrate.

For any enquiries please contact Lenna Uebergang or Tina Pfeiffer on 8263 8545

Barmera Parish Dried Apricots Missions Fund Raising

Apricots are now available from the church office. Call in during office hours 9am – 3.45pm Monday to Friday. Orders: phone 8263 5087 or email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

 

Each 500gm bag is sold for $10.50. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservative.

Journey to Recognition - towards Constitutional Recognition

AFL legend Michael Long will take the symbolic first steps of the Journey on 26^th May 2013.  The first leg of the Journey will see supporters walk from Melbourne to Adelaide, arriving around 30 June, in a relay, and then cycle, drive and paddle their way to Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory. To make this historic journey
a success, church communities along the route are encouraged to join together to:

v   lend their support by taking part in the Journey

v   attend or help out with a local event

v   provide volunteers

v   promote the Journey to Recognition and its importance. 

An initiative of Recognise - more information available at www.recognise.org.au/TheJourney or contact SA Council of Churches sacc@picknowl.com.au - Supported by SA Council of Churches Committees for Local Ecumenism & for Christian World Service

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au